Apple discloses suppliers for the first time

An Apple Inc. logo is displayed outside the exterior of Apple headquarters in Cupertino, Calif.

January 13, 2012 12:28:58 PM PST

BEIJING, China --

Apple for the first time is disclosing the list of suppliers that produce the iPhone, iPad and other popular gadgets amid criticism of labor and environmental practices, especially in China.

The 2012 "Supplier Responsibility Progress Report" released Friday says that Apple Inc. conducted 229 audits throughout its supply chain last year. That's up 80 percent from 127 audits in 2010.

The audits found labor, health, health and environmental violations, including instances of underage labor. Apple also outlines its response to each of the violations that were uncovered, which included ending its relationship with repeat offenders.

The report says that 78 Apple's suppliers complied with antidiscrimination standards it has set for them. But only 38 percent observed its working hours policies.